Customer profile
What was the name of your video store?
Super Duper Video
Where was the store located?
Temple City, California (United States)
When did you start shopping at this store?
1990
Describe your video store - what did it look like? What were its distinguishing
features?
It has a large pink neon sign that says "Super Duper Video", which is catching to the eye. Inside, it is fairly plain with blue walls and carpet.
What were the employees and/or owners like, and what kinds of interactions
did you have with them? What particularly memorable exchanges or events
do you remember?
The employees are friendly, mostly teenagers who look like they really don't want to be there, but also really want money to buy cool things with, so they stay.
What other services/products did the store offer besides the rental or sale
of videos? Did this change over time?
Just videos and a small candy stand.
What video formats did the store offer (i.e. VHS, Beta, Laserdisc)? Where were
different formats kept in the store?
Only VHS.
In addition to mainstream Hollywood movies, what other kinds of videotapes
(for example children's, exercise, or X-rated) did the store rent/sell? Where were these
videos found in the store, and how often did you rent or purchase them?
There is a childrens' section towards the front of the store, and an x-rated room in the back corner of the store with a little pink neon sign (that matches the big sign on the outside of the building) that says, "Adult Only".
Did you tend to rent or buy videos? Why?
Rent. I like the fact that I can see a super cheesy movie (like "Attack of The Killer Tomatos") without the fear of getting caught investing money to have OWNED for life that movie.
During the period that you shopped at this store, what changes did you see?
None.
Is this store still open? If not, when did it close?
Yes.
In your own words, tell the story of your first VCR/video player. Where
and when did you buy it, and why did you decide to make the purchase?
We already had one when I was born, but my earliest memory of it was when I was about five years old (1984). I was sick with the flu so my dad went out and brought back lots of junk food and a rented VHS of "Desperately Seeking Susan". I remember that it was the kind of VCR that had a lid that popped open like a cassette tape deck, and it sat on top of our Zenith that was built into a consul. We also had a family friend who actually had a Beta player, and the only Beta movie he ever bought was "Popeye", so that's all he and his kids watched.
Did you ever rent a VCR or other hardware (a camera, for instance)? If so,
how often and why?
Never.